Steve Butler collected three hits, scored the winning run and drove in a run to lead the St. Paul Saints to a come-from-behind 9-7 victory over Calgary on Wednesday night at Midway Stadium.

 

Butler was a late lineup insertion by manager George Tsamis, who posted his 300th career victory in independent baseball. Butler replaced regular second baseman Justin Hall, whose back stiffened because of cold weather and a 30-minute rain delay to start the game.

 

Butler responded with three singles, the last of which came in the seventh inning as the Saints rallied for four runs. With St. Paul trailing 7-5 and runners on first and third base, Butler beat out an infield grounder and moved to second on a throwing error. Both runners scored on the play to tie the score. Adam Olow then singled Butler home to break the tie for good at 8-7.

 

Billy Munoz hammered his third home run in two nights in the eighth to provide insurance.

 

Saints starter Bryan Gaal allowed two homers in the first three innings but lasted seven innings to gain the victory.
 
Posted on Thu, May. 26, 2005